The Best Christmas Things You Can Do If You Have A Day In NYC

New York City is a phenomenon in its own right. It is the historical cultural center of the USA. It is the financial center of the USA. It is the best of Europe combined with the “can-do” spirit that represents the best of American culture. It is a city which embraces diversity like no other. It is everything you would ever want in life in a small geographic space. It is history alive, it never stops, it is old yet new and vibrant like no other place. It is the city that never sleeps, the city to go to if you want to make a brand new start of it. To go there is to fall in love with it.

If New York City is a unique place, then New York during Christmastime is absolutely magical. Here we have compiled a list of some of the best Christmas things you can do if you have a day in the Big Apple during that time of the year.

Visit Bryant Park Winter Village

New Yorkers go nuts for this fall festivity: The Bryant Park Winter Village. It’s officially Christmas in the city once the 17,000-square-foot ice-skating ring and more than 170 shopping kiosks and food vendors return to one of the best NYC parks. With NYC’s only free admission ice rink, a huge variety of holiday shops, and even a full-fledged restaurant the Winter Village at Bryant Park is definitely the best Christmas market in the Big Apple. The market offers new and creative gift ideas, activities, food and a whole lot more. The atmosphere is always festive and is the perfect opportunity to get in the Christmas spirit right in the middle of Manhattan.

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree has stood as holiday symbol for over seven decades. Every year, its extravagant decorations and immense size dazzle New Yorkers and visitors alike. The official website of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree describes the holiday tree as a “world-wide symbol of Christmas,” a statement we really can’t argue with, especially since 125 million people visit the attraction each year.

As the clock chimes midnight, a brave young girl turns the tide in a battle between toy soldiers and mischievous mice, and a blizzard of ballerinas reveals a wonderful world of confection. George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® is one of the most complex theatrical, staged ballets in the Company’s active repertory. The popularity of the ballet is immense and it provides an enchanting and unforgettable spark to everyone’s holiday season.

Photograph: Courtesy Paul Kolnik

Visit 5th Avenue

One of the Christmas season’s benefits is the walk along Fifth Avenue from 59th Street to Macy’s at 34th. Here are the best Christmas Windows in the world along with Rockefeller Center. Consider a holiday walking tour where you can see some of the most popular New York City, department store, holiday window displays like the 3 Bs: Bloomingdales, Barneys, and Bergdorf, as well as Sax Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor, and Macy’s. There are many stops along the way to warm up with a hot beverage or a good meal, some shopping highlights, and must-see attractions.

Escape the freezing streets of Manhattan and let winter melt away at SERRA ALPINA by Birreria, the winter “greenhouse” pop-up on the roof of Eataly Flatiron. Inspired by the Stella Alpina, a rare flower found in the Italian Alps across northern Italy, SERRA ALPINA features rustic tables, twinkling lights, breathtaking views of the city skyline, and down-to-earth dishes made with simple but quality ingredients from our favorite farmers in Italy and the U.S.

Savor typical dishes from Italy’s northern regions like Trentino and Veneto, including a library of unique cheeses, pillowy gnocchi, and the beer-battered aged Piave Vecchio cheese. Don’t miss our take on Raclette, an old Alpine tradition of melting a half wheel of cheese over an open fire, served with a variety of pairings from pickled vegetables to prosciutto cotto. Then, complete your experience with our experts’ curated drink menu, which includes glacier wines, craft cocktails infused with mountain herbs, an extensive bitters menu, and housemade Vin Brulè, the Italian version of mulled wine steeped with orange peel and spices.

Go Ice Skating

As winter arrives ice rinks start to open all across the NY City. Whether you are an expert skater, or just someone looking to have a great time, this is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Most of the rinks are large enough to accommodate everyone who wants to skate. Venues like McCarren Park Pool can hold up to 300 people. Celebrate the winter by going out and having some fun on ice. It’s a good way to enjoy yourself and make the most of the cold weather.

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